Check off these top 10 bucket list items before college

Phipps+Conservatory+and+Botanical+Gardens+are+open+in+the+summer+from+9%3A30+a.m.+-+5%3A00+p.m.+Tickets+can+be+purchased+online+at+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phipps.conservatory.org.+

Photo courtesy of Emma Riddell

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are open in the summer from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.phipps.conservatory.org.

Another school year is ending which means that summer is rapidly approaching as well. Though this may strike fear in many graduating seniors worried about starting college, moving away from home and losing their friends, taking advantage of the summer and making memories with friends and family can make the transition to college a little easier. Here are the top 10 things that seniors should do or places they should visit before moving in to college…

  1. Visit local ice cream phenomena and Pennsylvania tradition, Sarris. The elaborate selection of ice cream and the pleasant aroma of chocolate is the perfect excuse to visit. Bring friends and family to sit at the outdoor picnic tables for a summer treat! 
  2. Be wild and visit the Pittsburgh Zoo! Grab some friends (and some sunscreen!) and leave early in the morning for a full day at the zoo. The Pittsbugh Zoo has day and group rates, so bring some friends and gear up for an action-packed day!
  3. The Wild Things is a childhood tradition that almost everyone participated in. It is perfect for a calm evening with friends and family. If you are not interested in watching baseball, the snack bar is always open and looking desirable!  
  4. Can’t forget about Kennywood! Full of roller coasters, snacks and fun for everyone including the non-adventurous.
  5. Ohio Pyle is for those who enjoy an aesthetically pleasing, outdoorsy adventure. With beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes, it is perfect for a photo shoot or simply enjoying the outdoors. 
  6. For those die-hard baseball fans, a Pirates game is always a good option. Get decked out in black and gold and grab a group of friends for a fun time in the nice weather. 
  7. This one is for people who like to experience new things. There is a new, local restaurant called World Wide Eats that offers interesting foods such as frog legs and alligator. It has a tropical atmosphere and personable employees. If not feeling adventurous, just down the road is Shorty’s, a hometown favorite. 
  8. A tale as old as time, the Washington County Fair. With prize animals, delicious carnival food and thrilling rides the fair is not something to pass up! Click here to learn more about the fair: https://thehillernewspaper.org/6768/news/washington-country-agricultural-fair-to-celebrate-225th-anniversary/ 
  9. The local Springhouse is another restaurant that should definitely be visited before leaving for college. The charming, homey atmosphere and delectable homemade food (and amazing chocolate milk) makes this an easy choice. 
  10. Last but not least, visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh. Full of gorgeous flowers and structures, it is the perfect place to get those aesthetic Instagram pictures that look straight off Pinterest!